Osteospermum plant named &#39;DAOSFEMTEN&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new distinct cultivar of  Osteospermum  plant named ‘DAOSFEMTEN’, characterized by its vigorous growth, with globular, upright to spreading shape; very well branching habit (10-15 per plant), with medium strong lateral stems and thick leaves; color of leaves RHS 139A (upper side) and RHS 137B (Underside); ray florets with a unique color combination, pure white (as the white space between the color samples on the RHS colour chart), and violet-blue (RHS 97C) with darker violet-blue stripes (RHS 97A) and stains of yellow (RHS 162C) at the tip, on the underside; and disc florets that appear Violet-Blue (RHS 96A).

LATIN NAME OF THE GENUS AND SPECIES OF THE CLAIMED PLANT

Osteospermum ecklonis

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘DAOSFEMTEN’

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant, botanically known as Osteospermum ecklonis (DC) T Norl., commonly known as Cape Daisy and and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name ‘DAOSFEMTEN’.

The new Osteospermum cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor, Rune Nielsen, in Stige, Denmark. The objective of the breeding program is to develop a new Osteospermum cultivar with good garden performance, well branching growth, continuous flowering and an attractive inflorescence color.

The new Osteospermum cultivar originated from a cross made in a controlled breeding program by the inventor in 2006, in Stige, Denmark. The female or seed parent is Osteospermum cultivar designated ‘Cape Daisy® Zanzibar White’. The male or pollen parent is a creme coloured Osteospermum variety designated 5300A (not patented).

Asexual reproduction of the new Osteospermum cultivar by (terminal cuttings was first performed in November, 2007 in Stige, Denmark, and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new cultivar reproduces true to type.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘DAOSFEMTEN’, which in combination distinguish this Osteospermum as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Vigorous cultivar, with globular upright to spreading shape; 2. Well branching (10-15 per plant) with medium strong lateral stems and thick leaves. Color of leaves RHS 139A (upper side) RHS 137B (Underside); 3. Ray florets with a unique color combination, pure white (as the white space between the colour samples on the R.H.S colour chart), and violet-blue (RHS 97C) with darker violet-blue stripes (RHS 97A) and stains of yellow (RHS 162C) at the tip, on the underside; and 4. Disc florets that appear Violet-Blue (RHS 96A).

Plants of the new Osteospermum ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ differ from plants of the parents; ‘Cape Daisy® Zanzibar® White’ and 5300A (unpatented) in the traits described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Comparison with Parental Cultivars Female Parent Male Parent New Cultivar ‘Cape Daisy ® 5300A Trait ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ Zanzibar ® White’ (unpatented) Plant Size Height: About 14 cm. About 13 cm. About 15 cm. Diameter: About 20 cm. About 18 cm. About 20 cm. Overall Plant globular upright to globular upright to globular upright to Shape spreading shape. spreading shape. spreading shape. Stem Length: About 2-5 cm. About 2-5 cm. About 4-6 cm. Diameter: About 4 mm. About 4 mm. About 5 mm. Strength: Medum strong. Medum strong. Very strong. Color: RHS 145B (yellow- RHS 146D (yellow- RHS 144A (yellow- green). green). green). Number of About 40. About 20. About 20. Flowers per Plant: Flower Size Depth: About 10 mm. About 10 mm. About 12 mm. Diameter: About 7 cm. About 6 cm. About 8 cm. Mature Petal Color Pure white Pure white, with a 2 RHS 155C (white). (upper side): (as white as the mm Purple N79B and space between the N78C ring around the colour samples on base. the RHS colour chart). Mature Petal Color RHS 97C (violet- RHS 97C (violet-blue) RHS 162A (greyed- (underside): blue) with darker with darker stripes yellow) stripes RHS 97A RHS N92D (violet- (violet-blue) and blue). stains of RHS 162C (greyed-yellow) at the tip.

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the most similar in comparison to the new Osteospermum ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ is the Osteospermum (‘Cape Daisy® Zanzibar® White’, in the characteristics described in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Comparison with Comparison Cultivars Trait New Cultivar ‘Cape Daisy ® ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ Zanzibar ® White’ Plant Size Height: About 14 cm. About 13 cm. Diameter: About 20 cm. About 18 cm. Overall Plant Shape globular upright to spreading globular upright to spreading shape. shape. Stem Length: About 2-5 cm. About 2-5 cm. Diameter: About 4 mm. About 4 mm. Strength: Medum strong. Medum strong. Color: RHS 145B (yellow-green). RHS 146D (yellow-green). Number of Flowers per About 40. About 20. Plant: Flower Size Depth: About 10 mm. About 10 mm. Diameter: About 7 cm. About 6 cm. Mature Petal Color Pure white. Pure white, with a 2 mm Purple (upper side): (As white as the space between N79B and N78C ring around the the colour samples on the RHS base. colour chart). Mature Petal Color RHS 97C (violet-blue) with RHS 97C (violet-blue) with (underside): darker stripes RHS 97A (violet- darker stripes RHS N92D blue) and stains of RHS 162C (violet-blue). (greyed-yellow) at the tip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new Osteospermum ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ showing the colors as true as is reasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describe the color of ‘DAOSFEMTEN’.

FIG. 1 shows a close-up view of the composite flower head from ‘DAOSFEMTEN’.

FIG. 2 shows a side view perspective of a typical flowering plant of ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ in a 11 cm pot, at 12 weeks of age after planting.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of the typical lateral stems with leaves and buds of ‘DAOSFEMTEN’.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the different leaf sizes of ‘DAOSFEMTEN’.

FIG. 5 shows a comparison between ‘Cape Daisy® Zanzibar White’ (female parent)’, ‘Sunny® Carlos’ and ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ (Breeders reference: 6007A).

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new Osteospermum ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype of the new cultivar may vary with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length without any change in the genotype of the plant.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following observations, measurements and values describe the new Osteospermum ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ as grown in a glasshouse, equipped with heat, assimilation light and ebb/flood watering system in Odense, Denmark, under conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice. The plants was grown in 14° C., with a venting temperature on 16° C. Assimilation light was given when natural daylight was below 3000 lux and the day length was extended to 16 hours. The EC levels in the soil was kept at about 2.5-3.5 and pH around 6.0 during the production. Plant growth was regulated 3 times during the production period, using 3% Cycocel (chlormequat-chloride) as a drench (80-100 ml/pot).

Color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.), Colour Chart 2001 edition, Color values were taken under March daylight conditions at approximately 10:00-14:00 in Stige, Denmark. The age of the ‘DAOSFEMTEN’ plants described is 12 weeks from potting.

-   Classification:     -   -   Botanical.—Osteospermum ecklonis (DC) Norl. -   Parentage:     -   -   Female or seed parent.—Osteospermum cultivar designated             ‘Cape Daisy® Zanzibar® White’.         -   Male or pollen parent.—Osteospermum variety designated 5300A             (Unpatented). -   Propagation:     -   -   Type.—Vegetative terminate cuttings.         -   Time and temperature to initiate roots.—About 9 to 13 days             at 19 to 21° C. in tunnels in a greenhouse.         -   Time and temperature to produce a rooted young plant.—About             4 to 5 weeks at 18° (initiation period benefits from 19-21°             C.).         -   Rooting habit.—Vigorous, white and well branched. -   Plant description:     -   -   General appearance and form.—Globular, upright, with basal             branching. Inflorescences in composite heads. Freely             branching with lateral flowering branches forming at every             node.         -   Growth rate.—Growing about 1 cm per week during production             period.         -   Plant height.—About 13 cm to 16 cm.         -   Plant width (spread).—About 18 cm to 21 cm.         -   Crop time to produce a mature flowering plant.—It requires             4-5 weeks to produce a young plant in a 35 mm propagation             plug. After potting 12-14 weeks are required to produce             finished flowering plants in 11 cm pots. -   Stem:     -   -   Shape.—Round.         -   Length.—About 5 cm to 5 cm.         -   Diameter.—About 4 mm to 5 mm.         -   Strength.—Medium strong.         -   Aspect.—Upright to spreading.         -   Texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Color.—Mature: RHS 145B.         -   Immature.—RHS 145A. -   Branches:     -   -   Branching habit.—Basal branching with lateral branching.         -   Number of branches per plant.—About 10-15.         -   Length (including flowers).—About 13 cm to 16 cm.         -   Diameter.—About 4-5 mm.         -   Strength.—Medium strong.         -   Aspect.—Upright to spreading.         -   Texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Color.—Mature: RHS 145B Immature: RHS 145A.         -   Internode length.—About 3 mm to 20 mm.         -   Internode color.—RHS 145A. -   Foliage description:     -   -   Arrangement.—Alternate.         -   Number of leaves per branch.—About 8-12 per branch.         -   Length.—About 4 cm to 8 cm.         -   Width.—About 1,5 mm to 3,5 mm.         -   Overall shape of leaf.—Obovate to spatulate with 1 to 3             acuminate teeth on some of the leaves.         -   Shape at apex.—Obtuse to slightly retuse.         -   Shape at base.—Attenuate.         -   Margin.—Entire.         -   Texture.—Upper surface: Glabrous, with only a few scattered             short, stiff hairs along on the edges of leaf. Lower             surface: Glabrous.         -   Color of developing foliage.—Upper surface: RHS 137A. Lower             surface: RHS 138A.         -   Color of mature foliage.—Upper surface: RHS 139A. Lower             surface: RHS 137B.         -   Venation pattern.—Trinerved with veins along nerves.         -   Venation color.—Upper surface: RHS 145A. Lower surface: RHS             146C. -   Inflorescence description:     -   -   Arrangement and shape.—Tubular disc floret and flat,             lanceolate ray florets in composite flower heads, developed             from terminal and axillary shoots. The peduncles lift the             Inflorescences 2-4 cm above the foliage. Inflorescences face             upright to 80° angle from vertical.         -   Natural flowering season.—Osteospermum is a bedding plant,             with a flowering season from early spring to late autumn.             Temperatures below 20° C. will increase flowering,             temperatures above 20° C. will reduce flowering.         -   Time to flower.—65 to 85 days.         -   Inflorescence longevity on the plant.—Inflorescence will             maintain good color and substance for about 5-10 days;             however, the longevity of individual inflorescence is highly             dependent on temperature and light conditions. Inflorescence             persistent.         -   Quantity of inflorescences heads.—Freely flowering; about 40             buds and open inflorescences per plant.         -   Fragrance.—Sweet Honey.         -   Bud (inflorescences head).—Rate of opening (from showing             color to fully open flower): 1 to 5 days. The rate of             opening is highly dependent on temperature and light             conditions. Length: About 10 mm. Diameter: About 8 mm.             Shape: Acuminate. Texture: Pubescent with small hairs.             Color: RHS 144A at base to 139B at apex.         -   Peduncle.—From both terminate and axillary shoots. Length:             About 8 cm Diameter: About 2 mm Angle: About 0-20° from             vertical. Strength: Medium strong. Texture: Pubescent with             few small white hairs. Color: RHS 138A.         -   Inflorescence head.—Length: About 10 mm Diameter: About 7             cm.         -   Ray florets.—Quantity per Inflorescence head: 20-24 Length:             32 mm Widths: 8-9 mm Overall shape: Spatulate Shape at apex:             Obtuse Shape at base: Acute Margin: Entire, small cleft at             apex. Texture: Upper surface: smooth. Lower surface: smooth,             matt slightly furrowed. Color upper side: Pure white (as             white as the space between the colour samples on the RHS             colour chart). Color underside: RHS 97C with darker stripes             RHS 97A and stains of RHS 162C at the tip.         -   Disc florets.—Quantity per Inflorescence head: 75-85.             Length: 6 mm. Diameter: 1 mm. Color: Blue translucent (RHS             97A), white at base.         -   Phyllary.—20-25. Length: 9-11 mm. Width: 1-2 mm. Overall             shape: Lanceolate. Apix: Narrow Acuminate. Base: Fused.             Margin: Entire. Color: RHS 139B. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Androecium.—Location: Disc florets only. Stamen number: 5             fused. Stamen length: About 2 mm. Anther shape: Linear,             fused. Anther length: About 2 mm. Pollen amount: A lot.             Pollen color: RHS N25C.         -   Gynoecium.—Location: Ray and disc florets Quantity: 1 Pistil             length: About 5 mm Stigma shape: Brush-like, cleft 1,5 mm             deep Stigma length: About 2 mm Stigma color: RHS 103A Style             length: About 2 mm Style color: RHS 103C Ovary color: RHS             144D. -   Seed/fruit: Seed and fruit production has not been observed. -   Disease/pest resistance: Resistance to pathogens and pests common to     Osteospermum has not been observed. -   Disease/pest susceptibility: Susceptibility to pathogens and pests     common to Osteospermum has not been observed. -   Temperature tolerance: Plants of the new Osteospermum have exhibited     good tolerance rain, wind and drought; however, flowering may cease     during hot periods (temperatures above 25° C.). Low temperature     tolerance to 1° C. 

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘DAOSFEMTEN’, as illustrated and described herein. 